Baladk - Street & Urban Arts Project

The Baladk street art project is an annual event that takes place in Amman, Jordan. Organized by Al Balad Theatre in collaboration with various artists and organizations, it was first launched in 2013. The project aims to promote citizenship and empower local communities through street art, with a particular focus on murals. Initially conceived by Al Balad Theatre’s friends and volunteers, the project aimed to connect the theatre’s cultural vision with the community. Its goal was to offer a unique cultural experience for local youth, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves through different forms of art. The project was executed by a collective of emerging artists and musicians from the Al Balad Theatre area and the city of Amman.

The Baladk project is based on the belief that “Art for All” is a universal concept that should be accessible to everyone regardless of social status or differences. In Jordan, where social structures have become more complex and diverse following the turmoil in neighboring Arab countries, street art has become a powerful tool for communicating and resisting various forms of oppression.

Each year, the Baladk festival chooses a theme and invites graffiti artists from Jordan, the region, and beyond to submit proposals. A committee selects successful submissions, and the chosen artists are provided with materials and space to execute their art in the form of murals that decorate public spaces. The project ensures that the murals are visible and accessible to all, with locations selected in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city.

Since its inception in 2013, the Baladk festival has explored various themes such as experimental projects, women’s rights, resistance, city life, and inclusiveness. In 2020, the theme was “Art is Environment,” while 2021 focused on issues such as children’s right to play, heritage, water scarcity, and the right to public urban spaces.

Image: Group picture of 2018 artists and team